Tleena (Ives) Spotted Elk is a dedicated leader and advocate committed to Indian education, tribal sovereignty, and the well-being of Native children and families. A member of the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe, she has spent over two decades championing systemic equity in both tribal governance and state-level administration.

She previously served as the Director of Tribal Relations for the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), where she was instrumental in strengthening state-tribal partnerships, upholding government-to-government relationships, and advancing indigenous early learning initiatives.

Spotted Elk holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Washington Tacoma and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University. Her career continues to center on Tribal child welfare and advancing Indian child and family well-being.